ABOUT

STITCH KITCHEN is a project of JUST ATELIER TRUST, registered not-for-profit social enterprise.

Just Atelier Trust was founded in 2015 by fashion entrepreneurs Fiona Clements (Senorita AweSUMO) and Fiona Jenkin, who shared a passion for seeking a local solution to a global problem of social and environmental waste in the fashion industry.

Our work in the fashion industry and wider community made us aware of the need for a co-ordinated approach and central resource centre for community, creative professionals and industry to grow together.

The issues around sustainable fashion are complicated. Just Atelier Trust aims to start where we are, use what we've got, and do what we can to provide a local solution to this global problem.

Our aims are to:

To establish and operate a project space in Dunedin, which provides access to workspace, meeting space, sewing equipment and industry information that is otherwise unavailable or inaccessible to the community.

To connect the local community with information through presentations, demonstrations and workshops to promote sustainable practices to reduce textile waste.

To develop new projects with the local community to facilitate engagement with traditional and innovative textile practices in varying mediums, to educate and empower the community in the production, use and adaption of textile items.

To assist in developing innovative projects relating to reusing, repurposing and recycling materials for creative construction of textile items, with particular reference to training opportunities and skill development of the community.

To promote and perform sustainable practices within the textile sector.

To align with like-minded national and international textile organizations, networks and facilities to provide a cohesive base for networking, support and professional development.

To network with national and international practitioners to facilitate a way of locating contemporary textile practice, produced locally, in a wider context.

Just Atelier Trust is funded through grants, public donations, and fees paid for services and hire of resources. We are extremely grateful for the support of DUNEDIN CITY COUNCIL City Services fund; Ara Toi Arts fund; CREATIVE NEW ZEALAND Creative Communities Scheme; and New Zealand LOTTERIES.